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This Week in Agribusiness – Dec. 29, 2018

Orion Samuelson and Max Armstrong wrap up 2018 with a look back; and a conversation with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue

Dec 29, 2018

Note: Start the video and all parts will play through as the full show

Part 1

Max Armstrong opens the last show of 2018 with the tradition of looking back on the year. Each year the show gets insight from farm broadcasters from across the country. Max talks with Alan Watts, WKDZ Radio, Cadiz, Kent., about the 2018 crop. Steve Bridge, WFMB Radio, Springfield, Ill., shares how well the season went for his part of the country. Agricultural Meteorologist Greg Soulje shares highlights of the weather of 2018; and he looks at key weather patterns that could impact agriculture in 2019.

Part 2

Max Armstrong talks with Ty Higgins, Ohio Ag Net, Columbus, Ohio, shares how the trade conflict with China is impacting farmers in that part of the country. In the FFA Chapter Tribute, Max Armstrong profiles two chapters – Shickley, FFA, Shickley, Neb., a small town with big dreams. Member Madeline Kamler, shares what she’s learned from her experience in FFA. And the River Edge FFA, Elizabeth and Hanover, Ill., is an active chapter with a range of projects. Member Connor Brown talks about how members are recognized for their work in the chapter. Ag Meteorologist Greg Soulje continues his look at the rest of this winter and a potential view of spring 2019.

Part 3

Max Armstrong continues his conversations with farm broadcasters. Greg Akagi, Kansas Ag Network, Topeka, Kan., looks at what he sees for 2019 in his part of the country. And for dairy perspective, Max talks with Brian Winnekins WRDN Radio, Durand, Wis., about the significant slump farmers are facing.

Part 4

Max Armstrong turns the show over to Orion Samuelson who is at USDA to talk with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. Orion talks with the Secretary about a range of issues from hitting the milestone of visiting 48 states to work to restore trade with China. He also discusses the new farm bill and its key features.

Part 5

Orion Samuelson continues his year-end conversation with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. They discuss how Secretary Perdue leverages his travel schedule to connect with producers. He also shares some positive actions by the Trump Administration aimed at helping agriculture, including work on E15. And they discuss how USDA will engage areas struck by disaster both fires and hurricanes.

Part 6

Orion Samuelson continues talking with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and what he has learned from his listening sessions. Trade and other issues have taken the lead, but Perdue notes that farmers understand that agriculture is a long game. Perdue, just off a meeting with the new Minister of Agriculture in Mexico, also discussed some key features of the new U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement.

Part 7

Continuing an annual tradition, Orion Samuelson turns Samuelson Sez into the Secretary Sez. Sonny Perdue shares his thoughts and comments summing up 2018, including work on key topics from Waters of the U.S. to E15.